mythical shark-like sea monster with barbed tail fin
A yōkai from Western Japanese folklore, especially associated with the coast of Matsuura. It is said to stroke the beach with its tail. Also known as 'Beach Stroker' in English.
磯撫では、松浦の沖に現れるという妖怪だ。
The Isonade is a yōkai said to appear off the coast of Matsuura.
磯撫での尾びれには鋭い鉤があると伝えられている。
It is said that the Isonade has sharp barbs on its tail fin.
The name 磯撫で literally means 'beach stroker', from 磯 (iso, 'rocky shore') and 撫で (nade, 'stroking'). The exact origin of the legend is uncertain, but it is part of regional folklore in Western Japan.